Sensors with thromboresistant coating

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to analyte sensors comprising a heparin coating, and methods of coating analyte sensors. The heparin can be stably associated with at least a portion of a porous membrane that covers a portion of the analyte sensors. The heparin can be photochemically linked to the coating through the formation of covalent bonds.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS[0001]Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to thromboresistant coatings for medical devices, such as intravascular glucose sensors, having a blood-contacting surface, as well as to methods for forming such coatings, and to the medical devices thus formed.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Achieving glycemic control is facilitated by continuous or nearly continuous monitoring of patient blood glucose levels. One method for accomplishing such monitoring is through the use of an implanted glucose sensor. For example, an optical glucose sensor, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,137,033, 5,512,246, 5,503,770, 6,627,177, 7,417,164...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes methods for reducing the risk of blood clotting on the surface of an analyte sensor. The methods involve using a solution containing heparin and benzalkonium, or separate solutions containing each substance, to coat the sensor and prevent blood clotting. The sensor is then dried and used for analysis. In addition, a chemical linking agent and an antithrombogenic molecule can be used to further reduce the risk of blood clotting. The linking agent is a compound that forms a strong bond to the sensor's surface, while the antithrombogenic molecule prevents blood clotting. These methods help make the analyte sensor safer and more reliable for use in medical diagnostics.

Problems solved by technology

The presence of foreign bodies in the vascular system of patients, such as intravascular glucose sensors, can lead to the formation of a blood clot or thrombus around the sensor.

In some cases, the thrombus can result in the restriction of blood flow through the blood vessel, impairing functionality of the sensor and / or health of the patient.

In some cases, the thrombus can break off and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the heart or brain, leading to severe health problems.

Unfortunately, depending on the surface material of the device, heparin may not provide a lasting and / or contiguous thromboresistant coating.

However, HBAC has not been used with success for devices, such as intravascular analyte sensors, that require passage of the analyte in the blood through the coating.

Moreover, Hsu (U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,020) disclosed use of various heparin complexes for coating blood gas sensors and noted that the benzalkonium heparin complex was unsuitable for such an intravascular sensor.

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